Helen Marie Elliott

Helen Marie Elliott, born April 14, 1917, in Providence Hospital Detroit, Michigan, to John and Helen Books. The family moved to Middletown, New York in 1920 where her father was a partner in four Ford dealerships. She attended Ursuline Academy and graduated from Middletown High School. When the family returned to Michigan in 1938 to live in Ypsilanti, she attended college at Michigan State Formal College (Eastern Michigan University). She worked for Ford Motor Company from 1938 to 1941. Helen married Dr. Richard W. Elliott, Jr. on April 13, 1943 in Fenton, Michigan. Her husband preceded her in death August 16, 2002. They lived in Ypsilanti, Michigan until 1982, retiring to Oscoda, where the Elliott family was originally from. Upon retirement, Helen took up painting and doll making. She won numerous local and regional awards for both; and had one of her paintings selected to hang in the Besser Museum in Alpena. A devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and aunt with a spirited sense of humor, her presence was felt by all and will be missed. She lived in interesting times with interesting people; from the Prohibition Era (Jazz Age) to the present. Survivors: Brothers - Charles Books of Freeland and John Books of Ann Arbor ; Children - Richard (Reda) Elliott of Tennessee, Melissa Elliott of Oscoda and John (Margaret) Elliott of Florida; Grandchildren - Richard Elliott IV of Michigan and Michael Elliott of New York; Great granddaughter - Morgan Elliott of Florida; Nieces – Sandra (Greg) Bishop of California, Mary (David) Adams of Mississippi, Peggy (Mike) Butter of Florida and Jennette (Joe) Laban of South Carolina; Nephews – Dr. John (Dr. Susan) Rodiek of Texas, Roger (Elaine) Rodiek of Texas, and David (Tracy) Rodiek of Texas; numerous grand nieces and grand nephews. In lie of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Northeastern Michigan or your favorite charity. Just for today – surrender one unhappy memory and replace it with a good one. Cremation arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Marie Elliott, please visit our flower store.